Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs abortion bills; Operation Purple Heart returns medals

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs abortion bills; Operation Purple Heart returns medals

Pritzker signs abortion bills

Two bills Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted Friday impact access to abortion procedures.

House Bill 3637 shields health care providers from discipline for providing abortion services that are lawful in Illinois.

House Bill 3709 requires colleges and universities to offer contraception and medication abortion if they have an on-campus pharmacy or student health center.

Operation Purple Heart returns medals

A 16th family has been reunited with their relative’s Purple Heart military honors.

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ office announced as part of Operation Purple Heart, they returned Army Private Stephen J. Grabowski’s military medals with grand-niece Chrystal Cantrell during a ceremony in Marion.

Frerichs, who handles unclaimed property, also returned Grabowski’s Bronze Star and other medals.

Product Expo to open at Du Quoin State Fair

The Illinois Product Expo will be open at the Du Quoin State Fair for the final weekend.

Located in the Expo Hall at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31.

Products include food, drinks, crafts and items like soaps, essential oils and more.

###

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Net negative migration is harmful to the economy, economists say

Net negative migration is harmful to the economy, economists say

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Though the economy and immigration were issues that helped President Donald Trump secure the White House, some economists have said that too steep a decline...
Details pending on billions in foreign investments coming from trade deals

Details pending on billions in foreign investments coming from trade deals

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square When President Donald Trump announced a string of trade deals with key U.S. trading partners recently, he touted pledges for billions of dollars in U.S....
WCO-Finance-Aug-5.1

Will County Health Department Seeks $1 Million to Avert ‘Drastic’ Service Cuts from Expiring Grants

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Health Department is requesting an additional $1 million in county funding for its 2026 budget to prevent the elimination of 11 critical staff positions, warning...
WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.1

Will County’s “First-in-Nation” Veterans Center to House Workforce Services, Sparking Debate

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The new Will County Veteran's Assistance & Support Center will also become the home for the county's Workforce Services department, a move officials say will save approximately $250,000 in...
WCO-Finance-Aug-5.2

Improved Vendor Service Creates $1.2 Million Shortfall in Sheriff’s Medical Budget

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Sheriff’s Office is facing a more than $1.2 million shortfall in its budget for inmate medical services, a problem officials attribute to an ironic cause:...
WCO-PZ-Aug-5.1

Will County Public Works Committee Unveils 25-Year Transportation Plan, Projects $258 Million Gap

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County officials have presented "Our Way Forward 2050," a new long-range transportation plan that provides a 25-year vision for infrastructure projects while forecasting a $258 million shortfall in...
WCO-Public-Safety.4

Will County Animal Protection Services Seeks New Facility Amid “Gaping Wound” of Space Crisis

Article Summary: Will County Animal Protection Services is seeking approval for a new facility, telling a county committee that its current building is critically inadequate for housing animals, leading to...
WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.2

Board Confronts Animal Services Crowding, Explores Future Facility Options

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County officials are grappling with an ongoing animal housing crisis that has overwhelmed the county’s Animal Protective Services facility, prompting discussions about expansion, new construction, or even repurposing...
WCO-Finance-Aug-5.3

Will County Board Members Demand Transparency in Cannabis Tax Fund Allocation

ARTICLE SUMMARY: A debate over transparency and process erupted at the Will County Board’s Finance Committee meeting regarding the distribution of local cannabis tax revenue. Board members called for more...
WCO-PZ-Aug-5.2

Homer Glenn Residents Push Back on 143rd Street Widening as Officials Signal “Tentative Agreement”

ARTICLE SUMMARY: A Homer Glenn farm owner voiced strong opposition to the planned widening of 143rd Street during a county meeting, while committee members indicated a "tentative agreement" is in the...
WCO-LEG-8.5.1

Will County Forges 2026 Federal Agenda Amid D.C. Policy Shifts, ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Board's Legislative Committee is reshaping its federal priorities for 2026, adding new language on environmental justice and LGBTQIA+ rights while creating a more transparent process for...
WCO-Public-Safety.3

Health Department Seeks $1 Million Levy Increase to Prevent “Weakened System”

Article Summary: The Will County Health Department is asking for a $1 million increase to its property tax levy to save 11 critical jobs that are at risk as post-pandemic...
WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.3

County Rolls Out New “OneMeeting” Software to Improve Public Access

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County has officially launched a new agenda and meeting management software called "OneMeeting," aimed at improving transparency and making it easier for the public and officials to access...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for August 5, 2025

The Will County Board’s Finance Committee confronted major budget challenges during its Tuesday meeting, led by a stark presentation from the Will County Health Department. Health officials are requesting an...
WCO-PZ-8.12.2

Will County PZC Approves Rezoning for Truck Repair Facility on Manhattan Road Amid Resident Concerns

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 to rezone nearly 14 acres in Joliet Township for a truck repair facility. The approval came after a neighboring...